Pune News: Sus-Baner Vikas Manch to File Contempt Petition in Supreme Court Over Garbage Plant Violations on Sus Road
Pune News: Sus-Baner Vikas Manch to File Contempt Petition in Supreme Court Over Garbage Plant Violations on Sus Road
Residents demand immediate relocation of the garbage processing plant, citing severe air pollution, health hazards, and violation of Supreme Court directives.
Sus Road, Pune | June 1, 2025: In a major development, the SUS-Baner Vikas Manch has announced plans to file a Contempt Petition in the Supreme Court against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for failing to implement the Court’s directions regarding the controversial Garbage Processing Plant located at S. No. 48, Baner-SUS Road. The petition will be filed through Advocate Satya Muley, who is representing the residents and the Vikas Manch.
Public Protest Gains Momentum
A large-scale protest was held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 10 AM, despite heavy rains. Over 200 residents, including senior citizens, women, and children, gathered near the garbage plant to protest against unbearable air pollution, foul smell, and environmental violations caused by the waste processing unit.
Supreme Court Order Ignored
The Supreme Court, in its order dated 12 September 2024, had laid down strict conditions for the plant’s continued operation, including:
- Covered hopper area to reduce odor
- Installation of odor control and misting systems
- Improved construction materials to avoid shutdowns
- Consideration of alternate site due to congestion
- Proper food waste storage
- Regular slurry sampling and analysis
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) was also directed to conduct biannual audits to ensure compliance. However, residents and legal counsel allege that no audit has been conducted in the past 8 months, violating Supreme Court directives.
PMC’s Apathy Questioned
According to Mr. Vijay Deshpande (President) and Mr. Haresh Patil (Secretary) of SUS-Baner Vikas Manch, multiple representations to the PMC have gone unanswered. The community believes that PMC is favoring the private operator of the garbage plant at the cost of residents’ health and well-being.
Biodiversity Park at Risk
The garbage plant is surrounded by a Biodiversity Park on three sides, which is also facing ecological damage due to garbage spillage and foul odor. Visitors have stopped coming to the park due to the unbearable stench, residents say.
Health and Environmental Hazards Mounting
Residents living within 200-600 meters of the plant have reported:
- Chronic respiratory issues
- Persistent headaches and dizziness
- Restricted movement due to foul odor
- Contaminated air from slurry processing
- Noise pollution from machinery operating 24×7
- Garbage trucks entering from the wrong direction and spilling waste
Children and senior citizens are particularly affected, with many reporting difficulty breathing and lack of outdoor access.
Resident Voices
Mrs. Nilima Buwa, a senior citizen, said:
“We can’t open our windows, go for walks, or even perform our daily prayers in the Ram Mandir due to the stench. The PMC’s temporary cleaning drives are just eyewash.”
Master Ishaan Bhoite, a young resident, added:
“We can’t play outside or breathe fresh air. We want the plant to go away!”
Mr. Haresh Patil remarked:
“Despite several technical recommendations from NEERI, MPCB, and CPCB, there is no change. The location itself is flawed.”
Legal Action Ahead
Adv. Satya Muley emphasized that the plant operator and PMC are in clear contempt of the Supreme Court:
“Article 21 guarantees the right to a clean environment. This garbage plant has become a gas chamber. We are filing a contempt petition to demand its immediate relocation.”
The petition is expected to be filed within the next 1-2 weeks, seeking urgent relief and compliance from PMC.
